§ Lord Sterling of Plaistowasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will press for early elections in the Palestinian Authority to ensure that the leadership of the authority can play a key role in the future peace process. [HL4595]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe have, both bilaterally and through the EU, pressed the Palestinian Authority to hold early, credible and comprehensive elections.
At the 11 October General Affairs External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting, EU Foreign Ministers expressed the Council's support for the Palestinian elections, which should conform to international standards, and noted the process of voter registration currently underway. The Council also expressed the opinion that the elections should be held in one step in order to expedite the development of accountable structures of government in the Occupied Territories. The European Union stands ready to further support and assist in the Palestinian electoral process.